Generic Name: Lorazepam (lor-AZ-ze-pam)

Contents

Drug Uses

Lorazepam is used for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term
relief of the symptoms of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Your
doctor may use this medicine to treat other conditions as well.

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How it Works

Works by enhancing the action of the nerve transmitter GABA, which in turn
blocks higher brain centers. Also reduces the time it take to fall asleep.

How to Take It

Follow the directions given to you by your doctor, these are printed on your
prescription label. Food does not affect this medicine so it can be taken
with or without food. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine.
Do not take more of this medicine or take it longer than prescribed by your
doctor. This medicine can be habit-forming.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects from lorazepam are common and include:

dizziness

drowsiness

tiredness

weakness

dry mouth

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away;
restlessness or excitement, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred
vision or changes in sex drive.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT increase your dose of this medicine without first talking to
your doctor, even if you feel that the medicine is not working.

Avoid alcohol with this medicine due to additive drowsy effects.

There are some risks of dependence with this medicine, if taken over
a period of time.

Do NOT drive a car or perform other tasks that may be dangerous, until
you know how this medicine affects you.

Overdose

Drug Interactions

Lorazepam should not be taken with two medicines used to treat fungus.
These are ketoconazole and itraconazole. If you are taking either of these
medications, notify your doctor. Antibiotics such as clarithromycin or
erythromycin when taken with lorazepam can increase the effects and side
effects of this medicine.

Kava can increase the side effects of lorazepam and should be avoided.

Case reports show that St. John's Wort can decrease the therapeutic
effects of lorazepam medicine. Talk to your health care professional before
taking any nonprescription or herbal products.

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

This medicine should not be used if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
This medicine can cause harm to your fetus. For breast-feeding mothers, check
with your doctor to discuss any possible risks to your baby while taking this
medicine.

More Information

Do not let anyone else take your medication. For more information on lorazepam,
talk to your health care professional.

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen.